Bomet priest, mother arraigned over alleged assault of minor

A Catholic priest from Bomet County was on Wednesday arraigned in court over allegations of assaulting a 14-year-old boy within church premises.

According to reports, the alleged incident occurred on September 2 at the church grounds where the teenager, a Grade 8 pupil, was said to have been physically assaulted. Details about the events leading up to the altercation remain unclear.

In a twist, the boy’s mother was also charged in connection with the same incident, with prosecutors accusing her of assaulting her own son under circumstances that are yet to be explained in court.

The two suspects appeared before Chief Magistrate Esther Boke, where they denied the charges. They were each released on a cash bond of Ksh.150,000 pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The case has been scheduled for mention on September 16, when the court is expected to issue further directions, including whether more witnesses will be called or whether the matter will proceed to full hearing.

The unusual case has drawn public attention in Bomet, with locals expressing shock over the involvement of both a clergyman and a parent in allegations of child assault. Child rights advocates have urged for thorough investigations to ensure justice for the minor, while church officials are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.